Yonex Ezone DR 98 vs Ezone 98 – Reviews & Alternatives

The Yonex Ezone DR 98 is a very popular tennis racquet that generated a lot of interest over the years. But when Yonex introduced their Ezone line, they began phasing out their Ezone DR line. This means the Yonex Ezone DR 98 has been replaced by the Yonex Ezone 98 (notice the dropped ‘DR’). 

In this review, we’ll be looking at what made the Yonex Ezone DR 98 stand out, how its replacement the Ezone 98 compares, and some other recommended alternative racquets to consider.

Review of the Ezone DR 98

The Ezone DR 98 scores consistently well across all categories. It offers a universally appealing blend of power, control, spin, and maneuverability. It offers incredible precision. 

The DR is for “Dynamic Repulsion” technology, which is supposed to enhance the racquet’s stability. Enlarged grommet holes to reduce shock, 

How the New Ezone 98 Compares to the Ezone DR 98

Now let’s review the Ezone 98, which has replaced the Ezone DR 98. It still has a similar comfortable feel, large sweetspot, and decent power and spin. Many think the Ezone DR 98 had an even softer, more forgiving feel than the Ezone 98. Also the Ezone 98 has a little less control than its DR 98 predecessor, and most say that power and spin still doesn’t quite live up to the DR 98.

Here’s a look at our rating and the technical specs for the Ezone 98.

As you can see, the Ezone 98 doesn’t quite measure up to its predecessor the Ezone DR 98 in all categories. Where the Ezone DR 98 had a great even balance of power, spin, control, and maneuverability, the Ezone 98 keeps much of the same comfortable feel and maneuverability, while losing some of the control and spin.

Other Alternatives to the Yonex Ezone DR 98

With the Ezone 98 failing to live up to the Ezone DR 98 (at least by our review), here are some racquets you might consider as better alternatives.

If you’re looking for a similar ability to generate power and control from anywhere on the court, you might try the Babolat Pure Drive. 

The Babolat Pure Strike 16×19 has a similar profile to the Ezone DR 98. It’s got a very similar weight and swingweight, and it offers a similarly balanced mix of power, control, spin, and maneuverability.

It’s really an all-around great tennis racquet, and you might consider it as a serious alternative to the now discontinued Yonex Ezone DR 98. 

Summary & Recommendations

The Yonex Ezone DR 98 was replaced by the Yonex Ezone 98, and the general consensus is that the Ezone 98 is not an improvement on the Ezone DR 98.

The Ezone 98 is available on Amazon, but last we checked, the Ezone DR 98 is out of stock on Amazon, so you’ll have to find one used on eBay or a similar site.

Alternatively, you can try our recommended alternatives to the Ezone DR 98: the Babolat Pure Drive and Babolat Pure Strike 16×19.

Post last updated on April 16, 2020